Paris in late May
 

We're planning our 6th trip to Paris for late May 2009 and our only time there in May turned out to be a cold, rainy time that left us with a sour taste in our mouths for that time of year, especially since we met our son there who proposed to his girlfriend and we felt bad about our recommendation for that time (it rained for 4 straight days with temps in the low 60's -- Brrrr!). Was that a freak thing or is that typical weather for late May? Unfortunately, late May is the only time we can get away this time and I'm worried. Any encouraging words? Also, we'll be renting an apartment for the first time with "Time and Place rentals" in the Latin Quarter and are wondering if anyone has used that company. Thanks.

I've been in mid-May and experienced HOT weather... and also some days of chill and rain. I don't think you can predict it! And after all, no matter what the weather, it's still Paris! If that's the only time you can go, then you don't really have much you can do about it!

Paris is known for frequent rainfall, anytime of the year. I was there in late May of 2006, the last week I think, and I remember some rain. Didn't bother me much, I had a raincoat, good shoes and a brolly, I suggest you do the same. No need for a sour taste - it's not like Paris has nowhere interesting to go indoors, and there's always the métro...

the first time I was in Paris , either it was 2005 or 2006 in May, it wasn't rainy but it was bone chilling cold - the hotel kept posting that the weather that day would be in the 60's , but it was definitely in the 40's in the morning..although one day it unexpectedly hit 80! Luxemburg Park was crowded with people shedding their warm coats and scarves and worshipping the sun :) !

We were there late last May for a week, and were blessed with wonderful weather - but this cannot be counted on, as noted by others. For more on our experience, see http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35141941

Weather is always a crapshoot, but I take the stance that a cold, rainy day in Paris is great because of the location.
Never used that agency and, given their rates, probably never will.

Paris is our preferred destination and May is our preferred month to be there. Of course the weather is variable, but you can always expect long days with many hours of sunlight at that time of year. We were in Paris mid-May '08 and the weather was generally good and in the 70's most days. It did rain and even hail one morning during the course of the week, but what of it? We had more days of sunshine than clouds. Our week in May '05 was perfection; our week in May '03 had only one rainy day. This year we'll also be in Paris in late May and have our fingers crossed that it won't be too hot and sticky. The fact is that if you check historical data for Paris, you're apt to see lots of rainy periods scattered throughout the year. The shorter your stay, the more critical the weather becomes, so it seems. Guess the only revenge is to experience Paris year-round, and then make a determination. IMHO, May is one of the kinder weather months in Paris. My husband and I prefer apts. to hotels in Paris. As I recall, Time&Place rentals have some lovely properties. I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip. EJ ((#))

Any tim eyou spend a week of more in Europe (except southern spain in midsummer) you should assume you will see some rain. As for the temps, in May 60's is a little cooler than normal - expected highs in the 70's.

Paris isn't tropical after all - and really hot weather in May is fairly rare.

<i>...our only time there in May turned out to be a cold, rainy time that left us with a sour taste in our mouths for that time of year...</i>

&quot;There is no inclement weather - only inappropriate clothing.&quot; - Travel Aphorism

Robespierre, I love your travel aphorism and your attitude!

Thanks to all that responded. I will take the weather as it comes and make the best of it! Bon Jour!